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Nature Nanotechnology, Published online: 17 April 2025; doi:10.1038/s41565-025-01900-9

Lewis acid additive semicarbazide hydrochloride improves the formation of α-phase FAPbI3-based films and promotes a homogeneous vertical distribution of A-site cations through a deprotonation–reprotonation process. The upgraded device performance reaches up to 26.12% with high stability, and mini-module perovskite solar cells achieving 21.47% (area, 11.52 cm2) demonstrate great scalability.

Nature Energy, Published online: 17 April 2025; doi:10.1038/s41560-025-01758-0

Hydrogen system testbeds powered by renewables at kilowatt–megawatt scale reduce technical and financial risk by providing evidence to inform decisions on economic viability for investments at commercial scale. Future-proofing these testbeds to ‘plug and play’ new components or technologies may accelerate low-regret uptake of innovation.

Nature Materials, Published online: 17 April 2025; doi:10.1038/s41563-025-02212-y

A decellularized extracellular matrix scaffold containing nanocapsules orchestrates timed growth factor release to promote muscle stem cell proliferation and differentiation and effective muscle regeneration after traumatic injury.

Nature Materials, Published online: 17 April 2025; doi:10.1038/s41563-025-02213-x

Semiconductor polymers containing selenophene in their backbones and immunomodulatory groups in their side chains enable the fabrication of implantable bioelectronic devices with enhanced immune compatibility and low foreign-body response.

Energy Environ. Sci., 2025, Advance Article
DOI: 10.1039/D4EE05691D, PaperKang Ji, Shiyu Wang, Shuyun Yao, Yingjie Ji, Guixi Wang, Weikun Ren, Jun Wang, Feike Zhang, Jiangzhou Xie, Zhiyu Yang, Yi-Ming Yan
The local electric field weakens the hydrogen-bond network and enhances H2O transport. The built-in electric field creates electron-deficient sites, improving the adsorption of N2H4. Finally, a self-powered zero-carbon energy system was built.
To cite this article before page numbers are assigned, use the DOI form of citation above.
The content of this RSS Feed (c) The Royal Society of Chemistry

Energy Environ. Sci., 2025, Accepted Manuscript
DOI: 10.1039/D5EE00499C, PaperXinru Sheng, Jiaying Liao, Zeyu Yuan, Yuhan Wang, Qiao Hu, Yichen Du, Xuefeng Wang, Xiaosi Zhou
Conversion-type materials are regarded as potential anodes for potassium-ion batteries, achieving high potassium storage capacity through conversion reactions to form K-rich compounds. However, the accompanying huge volume change often brings...
The content of this RSS Feed (c) The Royal Society of Chemistry

Is recycling just a load of rubbish?

Good citizens recycle their waste (when they can work out which bin to put what in) but often wonder what really happens to it. How much does end up being turned into new material or products? Do our processes make environmental sense? Why do the instructions for what to do with our waste vary so much between different locations? We will explore some of these questions, using examples for different materials including plastics and metals, and look at how things may change for the future. Part of the answer is that the problems are genuinely complex and the simple solutions have unintended consequences. Stewardship of our materials resources is a major consideration, but we need to look at whole systems around the complete lifecycle of products to find robust and responsible solutions.

• Speaker: Dr. Claire Barlow - Emeritus Faculty, Engineering Dept, University of Cambridge
• Wednesday 21 May 2025, 11:00-12:00
• Venue: Dept of Chemistry, Unilever Lecture Theatre.
• Series: Chemistry Departmental-wide lectures; organiser: Sharon Connor.

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TBC

TBC

• Speaker: Mayank Pandey (Princeton)
• Tuesday 06 May 2025, 14:30-15:30
• Venue: MR13.
• Series: Number Theory Seminar; organiser: Jef Laga.

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TBC

TBC

• Speaker: Jori Merikoski (Oxford)
• Tuesday 13 May 2025, 14:30-15:30
• Venue: MR13.
• Series: Number Theory Seminar; organiser: Jef Laga.

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TBC

TBC

• Speaker: James Kiln (Queen Mary)
• Tuesday 27 May 2025, 14:30-15:30
• Venue: MR13.
• Series: Number Theory Seminar; organiser: Jef Laga.

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TBC

TBC

• Speaker: Jessica Alessandri (Bath)
• Tuesday 20 May 2025, 14:30-15:30
• Venue: MR13.
• Series: Number Theory Seminar; organiser: Jef Laga.

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TBC

TBC

• Speaker: Fred Diamond (KCL)
• Tuesday 03 June 2025, 14:30-15:30
• Venue: MR13.
• Series: Number Theory Seminar; organiser: Jef Laga.

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TBC

TBC

• Speaker: David Lilienfeldt (Leiden)
• Tuesday 10 June 2025, 14:30-15:30
• Venue: MR13.
• Series: Number Theory Seminar; organiser: Jef Laga.

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Statistics Clinic Easter 2025 I

This free event is open only to members of the University of Cambridge (and affiliated institutes). Please be aware that we are unable to offer consultations outside clinic hours.

If you would like to participate, please sign up as we will not be able to offer a consultation otherwise. Please sign up through the following link: https://forms.gle/qMRt7qf7C8mCASNWA. Sign-up is possible from April 24 midday (12pm) until April 28 midday or until we reach full capacity, whichever is earlier. If you successfully signed up, we will confirm your appointment by April 30 midday.

• Speaker: MR5 at the CMS
• Wednesday 30 April 2025, 16:30-18:00
• Venue: MR5.
• Series: Cambridge Statistics Clinic; organiser: tm681.

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LMB Seminar - Title TBC

Abstract not available

• Speaker: David Klenerman, University of Cambridge
• Monday 03 November 2025, 11:00-12:00
• Venue: In person in the Max Perutz Lecture Theatre (CB2 0QH) and via Zoom link https://mrc-lmb-cam-ac-uk.zoom.us/j/94171771196?pwd=LbKuOThopk72DktYw3WJWcjBOGlKgG.1.
• Series: MRC LMB Seminar Series; organiser: Scientific Meetings Co-ordinator.

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Abstract

This note responds to Schwartz and Hutchison's Comment. Differences appear to have arisen not in the experimental results themselves but in their interpretation: more extensive experiments allow one to distinguish between “true positive” and “false positive” results. Potential evidence of non-polaritonic effects in Schwartz and Hutchison's own work is identified. It is hoped that this work will encourage others to produce more systematic investigations of strong coupling.

Out-of-plane ferroelectricity is observed in 1T′/1H MoS2 bilayers synthesized via chemical vapor deposition (CVD). The phenomenon is confirmed through structural analysis using scanning transmission electron microscopy (STEM) and second-harmonic generation (SHG), as well as switching behavior characterized by piezoresponse force microscopy (PFM) and ferroelectric tunnel junction (FTJ) measurements. Density functional theory (DFT) calculations reveal that the ferroelectricity originates from interlayer sliding. This discovery extends the scope of 2D ferroelectrics to vertically stacked heterophase systems, offering new opportunities for exploring coupled phenomena in transition metal dichalcogenides (TMDCs).

Abstract

The emergence of heterophase 2D materials, distinguished by their unique structures, has led to the discovery of a multitude of intriguing physical properties and a broad range of potential applications. Here, out-of-plane ferroelectricity is uncovered in a heterophase structure of 1T′/1H MoS2, which is synthesized via chemical vapor deposition (CVD) by tuning the formation energies for MoS2 with varied phases. The atomically resolved structures of the obtained 1T′/1H MoS2 bilayers are captured using scanning transmission electron microscopy (STEM) and are confirmed to be non-centrosymmetric using second-harmonic generation (SHG) characterizations. The intrinsic out-of-plane polarization is visualized by piezoresponse force microscopy (PFM), which reveals that ferroelectric domains can be manipulated under an applied electric field. Ferroelectric tunnel junction (FTJ) devices fabricated on these bilayers exhibit reversible switching between a high resistance state (HRS) and a low resistance state (LRS). Density functional theory (DFT) calculations elucidate that the intrinsic ferroelectricity in 1T′/1H bilayers is attributed to interlayer sliding and lattice mismatch. The findings not only expand the scope of 2D ferroelectrics to include vertically stacked heterophase bilayers but also open avenues for exploring the coupling effect between ferroelectricity and other phenomena such as magnetism, superconductivity, and photocatalysis in 2D heterophase TMDCs.

Incorporating anthracene-based dynamic bonds into a supramolecular liquid crystal elastomer (LCE) enables swift and reversible alternation of its local nematic-isotropic transition temperature and global actuation strain. The morphing behavior of the LCE actuator can be spatiotemporally programmed by varying the local UV exposure. This empowers precise motion control to accomplish intricate tasks, such as the aligning, threading, and locking mechanism.

Abstract

Spatiotemporal programming of the morphing behavior of liquid crystal elastomers (LCEs) by local tailoring of the nematic to isotropic temperature (TNI) can empower the precise design of their versatile motions. The current approach and materials design to achieve this process are either slow or irreversible, limiting its efficiency and efficacy. Here, a dynamic bond of anthracene and ethyl acrylate (An-A) is introduced to enable photoinduced topology transformation to alter the T NI of the LCE, into a hydrogen-bonded supramolecular LCE network, where the actuation modes can already be reconfigured upon annealing. Experiments and molecular dynamics simulation demonstrate that the An-A bonds undergo reversible cycloaddition with 365 nm UV exposure for as short as 10 min, and depolymerization with 254 nm UV. The resulting topological transformations of the network give rise to changes in the T NI, actuation strain, and mechanical properties, which can be programed and erased by light. With that, a spatiotemporally reprogrammable LCE actuator: a single LCE that morphs into different shapes, especially those that are far more achievable when the trajectory can be designed by sequential actuation, is developed. This system offers a promising strategy for swift and reversible morphing behavior with custom-designed trajectory in future smart soft robots.

Transient strain-crystallization simultaneously strengthens and toughens block polyester elastomers while conserving recyclability. Using controlled polymerization catalysis and commercial monomers, block polyester elastomers outperform current commercial elastomers, entering a new region of tensile mechanical property space.

Abstract

Polyester thermoplastic elastomers are promising sustainable materials but their mechanical properties need improvement, in particular, attempts to increase strength often result in compromised elasticity. Strong and tough elastomers are known but require complex polymer formulations together with control over cross-linking or crystallinity, both of which challenge recycling. Here, the introduction of transient strain-stiffening approaches into fully amorphous structures show both strengthening and toughening of elastomers while conserving recyclability. The new amorphous block polyester elastomers are prepared by controlled polymerization methods using commercial monomers. The block polymers comprise a central poly(ɛ-caprolactone-co-ɛ-decalactone) block flanked by poly(cyclohexene oxide-alt-phthalate) blocks. Elastomer thermomechanical properties are tuned by varying ratios of ɛ-caprolactone to ɛ-decalactone within the mid-block to access materials with excellent mechanical properties. The best elastomers feature 30–50 wt.% polycaprolactone and exhibit tensile strengths up to 40 MPa, elongations at break above 2000%, with excellent elastic recovery (>90%). These materials exhibit strain-induced crystallization and outperform current commercial elastomers, entering a new region of tensile mechanical property space. They have service temperature ranges from −60 to 140 °C and high temperature stability (≥300 °C), with wide thermal (re)processing windows. These new polyester elastomers also show high resistance to creep, humidity resistance, and excellent recyclability.

This study develops a sprayable hydrogel based on polypeptide-modified lipid nanoparticles (PLNs) mimicking natural hemostasis. PLNs integrate platelet adhesion peptide (GFOGER) and platelet crosslinking peptide (GGQQLK), DSPS, and Ca2⁺ to activate coagulation. Combined with Ca2⁺-sodium alginate hydrogels, they synergistically enhance rapid clot formation via platelet aggregation, prothrombin activation, and fibrin crosslinking, offering an efficient biomimetic strategy for hemorrhage.

Abstract

Non-compressible hemorrhaging is the main cause of death in modern warfare. A biomimetic peptide-modified lipid nanoparticle-based sprayable hydrogel is developed to mimic and amplify the blood coagulation process for effective hemostasis. A platelet adhesion peptide (PAP, sequence: GFOGER) and platelet crosslinking peptide (PCP, sequence: GGQQLK) are customized and conjugated to 1,2-distearoyl-sn-glycero-3-phosphoethanolamine-N[methoxy (polyethylene glycol) 2000] acid (DSPE-PEG2000-COOH) via amido bonds to form DSPE-PEG-PAP and DSPE-PEG-PCP, respectively. These compounds are mixed with distearoyl-sn-glycero-3-phosphocholine, cholesterol, and distearoyl-sn-glycero-3-phospho-L-serine (DSPS) to construct the peptide-modified lipid nanoparticles via thin film rehydration. The nanoparticles are incorporated into a CaCl2-sodium alginate sprayable hydrogel crosslinked via ionic bonds. The application of the hydrogel solution quickly gels and seals the wound. The PAP activates and adheres platelets, the DSPS and Ca2+ amplify prothrombin activation, and PCP strengthens the fibrin network. The hydrogel achieves rapid hemostasis within 30 s in a liver hemorrhage model. This sprayable hydrogel has significant potential for managing non-compressible hemorrhaging.